This new research emphasizes that national pledges for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are insufficient to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement. Although ambitious, current proposals fall short by several gigatonnes compared to the required levels for 2050. The study highlights a potential solution in low-energy-demand scenarios, which can significantly narrow the ‘CDR gap’. Critical evaluation of CDR in national reports and more robust policies could help align these pledges with the Paris Agreement objectives. Recommendations include prioritizing emission reductions, better reporting, and promoting novel CDR technologies to bridge this gap effectively.
Papers available in Nature Climate Change: